Inside Masters Week: Private Jets, VIP Parties, and Augusta’s Most Exclusive Moments

From private jets and VIP parties to Mercedes-Benz and exclusive hospitality, here’s a look at the standout moments from Masters week in Augusta.

By the time Masters week begins, a steady stream of private jets has already touched down, transforming Augusta Regional Airport into one of the busiest—and most discreet—luxury hubs in the country. The tarmac fills with aircraft from around the world, quietly delivering athletes, executives, and high-profile guests into a week defined as much by access as it is by competition. It’s the first indication that the Masters exists well beyond the course.

Augusta After Dark

By Wednesday night, that energy shifts into one of the week’s most coveted invitations. Sports Illustrated x DraftKings’ Augusta After Dark returned for its second year, once again drawing a mix of athletes, entertainers, and select guests to a private estate setting just outside the tournament’s orbit. The evening was anchored by an intimate acoustic performance from Dave Grohl, who moved through Everlong, My Hero, and Times Like These as guests gathered in a setting that felt far removed from the fairways. Nearby, Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Hart turned the chipping green into their own stage, adding a playful, unscripted moment to the night. Guests, including Ray Lewis, Victor Cruz, and J.R. Smith circulated through a series of curated experiences—elevated dining, crafted cocktails, and understated brand activations—while Velocity Black hosted a private lounge for its members.

MARTINEZ, GEORGIA – APRIL 08: Dave Grohl attends DraftKings x Sports Illustrated – Augusta After Dark on April 08, 2026 in Martinez, Georgia. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for DraftKings)

Vista House

There are no signs pointing to Vista House. And that’s exactly the point.

Set within a private residence, Vista’s signature hospitality experience returned for 2026, offering a more discreet alternative to the week’s larger gatherings. Reserved for VistaJet and XO members, the space functions less as an event and more as an extension of a global network—one built around shared access and quiet familiarity. Evenings unfold through a series of intimate moments: private dinners, live music, and conversations around tournament play, alongside touches that extend beyond golf, from Champagne Billecart-Salmon to Arturo Fuente cigars and private automotive experiences. Guests move fluidly between Vista House and other invitation-only settings, including the Double Eagle Club, creating a layered, behind-the-scenes version of Masters week that exists almost entirely out of view.

Mercedes-Benz

Elsewhere in Augusta, Mercedes-Benz maintained a presence that felt less momentary and more enduring. Returning as a long-standing partner of the Masters, the brand used the week to reflect both heritage and forward momentum. Two-time champion Bernhard Langer was honored with a one-of-one MANUFAKTUR “Made to Measure” patron chair, designed in parallel with his custom S-Class—an understated tribute rooted in craftsmanship and precision. A bespoke S-Class on display carried subtle references to Augusta, from azalea-inspired detailing to deep green interior finishes, while the brand also expanded its impact beyond the tournament through its support of The Patch, contributing to the revitalization of Augusta’s municipal golf course.

On the Course

Inside Augusta National, the focus remained unchanged. Rory McIlroy captured the 2026 Masters title, delivering one of the most anticipated wins of the year and reinforcing his place among the game’s defining players. But as the final round closed, the rhythm of the week continued elsewhere.